Laura Van Buren

Biography

Laura Van Buren is a skilled trial and appellate attorney who focuses her practice on government liability defense, including the defense of civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and state law torts. She defends government clients in corrections, law enforcement, employment, and road design matters.

In her 10 years of practice, Laura has distinguished herself by her professionalism, dedication to her clients, and as an articulate and persuasive writer and advocate. In 2022, one of Laura’s defense verdicts was recognized as Top 10 Defense Verdict by the Arizona Attorney Magazine. Laura’s federal and state appeals have led to multiple published opinions and have resolved issues of first impression in favor of her law enforcement clients. Laura’s strong writing skills have also led to regular orders of dismissal and summary judgment in high-stakes, complex cases.

Prior to joining Wieneke Law Group, Laura defended insurers and third-party administrators against claims for breach of contract, insurance bad faith, and extra-contractual liability. She also gained substantial experience defending insureds in matters involving professional liability, wrongful death, premises liability, and personal injury.

During law school, Laura was a member of the Arizona State Law Journal, where she received the Outstanding Staff Writer Award. She also externed for Judge Mary Murguia on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

In recognition of her accomplishments, professionalism, and legal skills, Laura was selected to the list of Southwest Rising Stars by Super Lawyers from 2021 through 2024.

Employment

Wieneke Law Group
Associate, 2019 to present

Jones, Skelton & Hochuli
Associate, 2017 to 2019

Bonnett, Fairbourn, Friedman & Balint
Associate, 2014 to 2017

Bar Admissions

Arizona
U.S. District Court, District of Arizona
United States Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit

Representative Experience

Craig v. Mohave County, et al., Maricopa County Superior Court, No. CV2023-006800 (Apr. 4, 2024) (Failure to keep suspect in custody; motion to dismiss granted)
Sanchez-Ravuelta v. Yavapai County, al., 548 P.3d 347 (Ariz. App. 2024) (Notice of claim issue involving interpretation of A.R.S. §12-821.01; dismissal affirmed)
Waller v. Santa Cruz County, et. al., No. CV-22-00244-TUC-RCC (D. Ariz. Feb. 21, 2024) (Officer-involved shooting; motion for summary judgment granted)
Pettit v. Throop al., No. CV-21-01691-PHX-ROS, 2023 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 167532 (D. Ariz. Sep. 19, 2023) (Excessive force and retaliation; motion for summary judgment granted)
Goff v. Rode al., No. CV-20-01284-PHX-DLR, 2023 WL 3016251 (D. Ariz. March 31, 2023) (Access to religious items; motion for summary judgment granted)
Miller v. City of Scottsdale et. al., No. CV-21-00834-PHX-GMS (D. Ariz. June 10, 2022) (Wrongful arrest arising out of enforcement of novel COVID-19 restrictions; motion for summary judgment granted), affirmed, 88 F.4th 800, 802 (9th Cir. 2023)
City of Scottsdale v. Mikitish, 253 Ariz. 238 (App. 2022) (Special Action relief granted; holding for the first time that officer/victims have absolute immunity from defamation claims for statements made in their reports)
Crago v. Pitz, al., No. CV-19-04532-PHX-ROS (D. Ariz. Sep. 19, 2022) (Failure to protect & retaliation; defense verdict. Top 10 Significant Defense Verdict of 2022)
Dennison v. Ryan, et. al., No. CV-18-04539-PHX-SPL (D. Ariz. Aug. 12, 2022) (Sexual assault & unlawful search; defense verdict)
Enriquez v. City of Scottsdale, et. al., No. CV-19-04382-PHX-SMB, 2022 WL 1773829 (D. Ariz. June 1, 2022) (Employment discrimination; Motion for Summary Judgment granted)